Invasive Group A Streptococcus Infection in Children in Southern Israel Before and After the Introduction of Varicella Vaccine

The annual rates of group A Streptococcus bacteremia per 100 000 children in southern Israel declined after introduction of the varicella vaccine to the national immunization program, from 2.43 (95% confidence interval, 1.73–3.13) in 1995–2002 to 1.30 (95% confidence interval, 0.91–1.72) in 2010–2016 (P = .04). This reduction correlated with the disappearance of varicella rash as a predisposing factor.